Is a 1978 MGB Midget worth buying? Looking for my first vintage car…?
I don’t have an incredible amount of money to spend, but it seems like a great deal, and leaves me enough money to make some repairs if necessary. Beautiful exterior and interior, 74k original miles, and is “running and ready to cruise.” It’s a pretty car and unique, since I’ve never seen an MGB in Texas. If I buy this car (priced at about $4400), I will have about $1000 or more to spend on any repairs it might need. Is it a reliable vintage car/worth buying?
Thanks!
Is it a B or Midget. The Midget is a bit too small for my taste, whereas the B is fairly roomy for a LBC (little British car). By 1978 the MG’s were emasculated by federal emission standards and the 5 mph bumpers that also had to be at least 15″ off the ground. It may even have only one carb; the earlier cars had two. The suspension was raised, making them more top heavy, and the big rubber bumpers were hung on. These regs are what doomed British Leyland as the cars had no fun factor with lower power and lesser handling. I have owned 4 LBC’s, all Triumphs and still own a 1971 TR6. I personally would not own one newer than 1973, but it is your choice. Most of the negative aspects of the later cars can be undone these days due to their age and exemption from emissions scrutiny etc, so you should keep that in mind and you will certainly find lots of LBC enthusiasts, resources and parts out there. Cheers and good luck. Hope I did not spoil your enthusiasm, just wanted to share my thoughts.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Leyland
http://www.victoriabritish.com/
http://www.the-roadster-factory.com/indexmain.php
http://www.the-roadster-factory.com/TRFcatalogues.php
http://www.mossmotors.com/
PARIS TEXAS CLASSIC CAR RALLY / PART2